LAB EQUIPMENT
Zünd S3 M-1600 Blade Cutter
Available Tools:
EOT- Electric Oscillating Tool: is ideally suited for cutting softer, medium-density materials.
UCT- Unversal Cutting Tool: for through-cutting materials with thicknesses up to approx. 5 mm/3/16“
CTT1- Creasing Tool 1: for processing single-wall corrugated cardboard. This tool accommodates crease wheels with a diameter of 61 mm/2.4” and a width of 20 mm/.8”
CTT2 - Creasing Tool 2: a universally applicable crease tool. It accommodates a wide range of crease wheels
DRT - Driven Rotary Tool: a cutting tool for fabrics and technical textiles, has high processing speeds
MAM-SE - Marker Module Electric: allows for marking and labeling of various materials
CONSUMABLES
Users of the Blade Cutter will need to purchase their own base materials to be cut, blue tape to hold the materials down, and the common knives or bits that will be doing the cutting. Some of the knives and bits will be provided by the DFL but specialty knives and bits will need to be purchased from Zund. The CED Materials Store carries the less expensive and most common knives that are used.
FILES AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
Zund AI Template
Basic Training Guide
BLADE CUTTER OPERATIONS
To use the Blade Cutter, first attend one of the scheduled orientations (you will need to have completed the Laser Cutter orientation before you can attend the Blade Cutter one). Come to the Blade Cutter orientation with your own blades and bits, material with enough extra for test cuts, blue tape for extra "hold down" if needed, and clean, well constructed files. The Blade Cutter has a 4’ x 8’ bed size. Height limitations are more complicated and may vary depending upon project dimensions, tool choice, and tool path design; these are covered in detail during the Blade Cutter orientation.
A typical job has five steps and may require separate appointments for each one. Users should consult with staff about projects before purchasing blades/bits and materials.
- Propose a project and consult staff on materials and best practices
- Have preliminary designs reviewed, and discuss file preparation and blades/bits
- Purchase and process approved materials in the Shop if required
- Complete final preparation of files and schedule an appointment for the job
- With Staff on hand, log into the machine, and start the job
BLADE CUTTER POLICIES
Use of the ZUND Blade Cutter is limited to posted “open hours” when staff are present, and only after Users have had Laser Cutter and Blade Cutter orientations.
To be granted a User log-in for the Zund computer, first complete the orientations and then spend some time on the machine being trained by Staff. After showing competence on the machine, Users will be certified to use the machine with limited supervision.
Be prepared when you come to use the Blade Cutter; bring your file in ahead of time for staff review and discussions on materials and equipment. If you have registration dots, they must be .25” solid, in high contrast to your material, and must also be in your .ai file.
- Files must be clean and well-constructed
- Use as few control points as possible
- Small radius curves will break your blade
- Files must be exported as .ai files
- A template is available on this web page
Consult with staff regarding the proper tools for your material before purchasing your blades/bits. Breaking blades may occur, generally due to small radius cutting, incorrect settings and/or poor "hold down." Please note that any blades or bits left in the Lab will be claimed for other use. Also be sure to bring extra material for test cuts and unseen problems.
If users operate machines negligently, or misuse the machines to where repairs are required, they will be liable to pay for all the repairs.
WHY A CUTTER SCHEDULE?
There is only one Blade Cutter to service all Lab users. To support equitable use, the Lab has implemented a scheduling system to help distribute access as much as possible. But in order for this to work, the expectation is that Users do their design elsewhere and come to the Lab ready to cut.
SCHEDULING CUTTER USE
The Lab has a first-come-first-served scheduling system that breaks out cutting reservations in equal time slots. Graduates and Undergraduates have the same schedule. Users are expected to adhere to this schedule and if more time is needed, and it cannot be accomodated by using unreserved hours, additional time can be requested from the Lab Manager. Scheduled users have workstation priority, thus any jobs taking longer than the allotted time may be stopped by the next scheduled user or Staff. It is suggested that users consult in advance with Staff about reformatting jobs to conform to the scheduled time.
CUTTER STANDBY PROCESS
Users must start cutting within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time. If not running by then, standby users may bump any late or unprepared user off the Cutter for the remaining time. When users finish early they are encouraged to let as many others know as possible that the Cutter is available. Standby users may use that extra time left as long as the job is small enough not to bump into the next hour time slot.
CUTTER NO-SHOWS
The machine may be in heavy demand at certain times, so users who cannot show up for their appointment are responsible for arranging to have another user fill the slot. If a user fails to make this arrangement and the machine is idle during their appointment, they may lose signup privileges and may have limited access as a standby user only for the following week.
BLADE CUTTER CAUTION
- At least one authorized person has to watch the machine at all times while it is running for there is a risk of damage to tool and cutter system
- No laptop, mobile device, or ear-buds may be used or worn during the job.
- Eye protection may be required
- Ear protection is highly suggested for anyone in the room while the equipment is running
- Stay inside the room while the Cutter is operating.
- Users must clean the entire room after a job has been completed and put all tools back in their proper place. Shop Vacs are available for use.
- The blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe cuts
- If the wrong size of blade is selected there is a risk of the blade breaking off and the broken off parts may injure people
- While operating the cutter has a laser guard that may cause eye damage if looked into directly
- The user bears sole liability for any damage arising as a result of improper use
- Appropriate clothing is required -- no loose fitting or dangling personal items
- Be cautious while handling pointed or sharp-edged objects
- Used blades must be disposed in the "sharps container" located in the Lab
APPROVED MATERIALS
Paper & Cardstock
Cardboard - (059”-.472”)
Foamcore
Chipboard
Thin veneer plywood - (max 1/16th)
Thin plastics - (Copoly, polycarbonate, actetate, dura-lar, polystyrene, yupo, sintra)
Coroplast
Fabric (nylon, ripstop synthetics)
Other materials may be cut, but consult the manager to find out if your material is allowed and to get help with appropriate settings.
PROHIBITED MATERIALS
Metals
Plywood
Glass
Acrylic